Santa Cruz heads back to Rovers

Roque Santa Cruz is glad to be back at Ewood Park after a ‘frustrating period’ at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini.

Santa Cruz, 29, has rejoined Blackburn on loan until the end of the season, 18 months after leaving for City in a 17.5 million pound deal.

The Paraguyan has struggled to make an impression under Mancini where he always seemed to be second-best behind the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Emmanuel Adebayor in the pecking order at Eastlands.

“I felt a bit ignored by the manager,” Santa Cruz said.

“It’s been hard not to play, not to be chosen, even though I feel great.”

“It’s frustrating, I’ve been playing a lot through the years with small injuries and just when I feel perfect to play and perform I wasn’t selected.

“I feel like I am coming home, this has been the easiest decision of my career.”

He added: “I want to get playing and scoring goals again and this is a real chance for me to prove myself after a frustrating period. Everyone knows what Blackburn Rovers means to me.”

Santa Cruz became a huge fan favourite during his first spell at the club, scoring 29 goals in two years after arriving from Bayern Munich in 2007.

His move back to Rovers does not guarantee a permanent deal but the South American admits he would like to stay with Rovers on a long term basis.

“Maybe we can do something permanently. Blackburn’s always been home to me, they’ve treated me very well,” he said.

Manager Steve Kean believes Santa Cruz will take his team to a new level.

“It is about quality – he is fantastic on the ground, has a great touch and obviously his aerial ability has never been in question,” Kean said.

“His overall stature and class is something that can raise the bar for everyone here. This is coming back to somewhere that is special and I am sure he is going to deliver just as good, if not better this time around.”